Working Class Audio

Matt welcomes Producer /engineer/mixer and film composer Sanford Parker. As an artist he’s performed and released albums with extreme heavy and industrial bands like Black Cross Hotel, Corrections House, Mirrors for Psychic Warfare and Minsk. Throughout the years he’s collaborated with members of Sonic Youth, Ministry, Napalm Death and Neurosis as well as producing and mixing albums for Darkthrone, Voivod, Brutal Truth, Pelican, YOB, Hide, Youth Code, Wovenhand, Rwake, Local H and many others.
Takeaways
Sanford opened his studio in March 2020, just before the pandemic.
He prefers working with independent artists and punk music.
Chicago's music scene is affordable compared to other major cities.
Managing overhead is crucial for running a successful studio.
Sanford transitioned to mixing in the box for efficiency.
He values genuine relationships with artists over bureaucracy.
The pandemic shifted his work focus back to mixing.
The flexibility of working remotely with clients.
Learning to navigate financial discussions with bands.
Independent music often allows for quicker decision-making.

Links and Show Notes:
Sanford's Site

Matt's Rant: Your Journey
Credits:
Guest: Sanford Parker
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back GRAMMY-winning recording engineer and producer Steve Chadie live from the AudioScape booth at NAMM 2026 to talk about recording bands. Steve has worked with WIllie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Wilco, and the Supersuckers.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Mic placement and monitoring.
The bleed
Band dynamics
Food and energy levels
Expectations
Creative ruts.
Being invisible
Headphone mixes
Less substance abuse

Links and Show Notes:
Steve on WCA #245
Steve on WCA #487
Steve's Site

Matt's Rant: The People
Credits:
Guest: Steve Chadie
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

Matt welcomes producer/engineer/composer Fran Cathcart. Fran having just moved to the Bay Area from New York recounts his journey in studio ownership, working with Herbie Hancock, and facing down serious challenges that would make most throw in the towel, yet he still keeps going.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Studio Ownership
Herbie Hancock
Early Digital Recording
Divorce
Covid
Getting Sued
Stress
Moving to the Bay Area

Links and Show Notes:
Fran's Site

Matt's Rant: Client Communication
Credits:
Guest: Fran Cathcart
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Mastering Engineering Joe Caithness. Joe has worked on mastering the soundtrack music for games such as Borderlands, and Tekken, the soundtracks for the Netflix movie Close, bands such as Don Martin 3 and Palooka 5.
In this episode we discuss Pro Audio Minimalism.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Pro audio minimalism focuses on efficiency and workflow.
Post-pandemic, many have adapted to home studios.
Stripping down gear can lead to better productivity.
Quality of work is not determined by the amount of gear.
The bell curve illustrates the journey of audio engineers.
Social media can exacerbate gear obsession.
It's important to focus on skills rather than equipment.
Minimalism can reduce stress in the creative process.
Finding balance in audio engineering is crucial.
Personal interests outside of audio can influence spending. Being debt-free allows for better control over finances.
Intentional communication can streamline workflows and reduce confusion.
Minimalism in workflow can lead to increased efficiency.
Decluttering can help identify unnecessary subscriptions and expenses.
Applying minimalism to business practices can enhance focus and productivity.
The thrill of the hunt can lead to unnecessary clutter if not managed.
Intentional equipment purchases can prevent buyer's remorse.
Every purchase has a domino effect on workflow and finances.
Embracing whimsy can make minimalism enjoyable and fulfilling.
Sharing resources can benefit others and reduce personal clutter.

Links and Show Notes:
Joe's Site
Joe on WCA #329

Matt's Rant:
Credits:
Guest: Joe Caithness
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell

In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Producer, Mixer & Mastering Engineer Justin Gray. Based in Toronto, Canada, Justin has worked on projects for Snoop Dogg, Brandy, Nicky Youre, Mother Mother, Arkells, Jamie Fine, Lola Brooke, Upsahl, and The Sheepdogs.
In this conversation, Justin Gray discusses his album 'Immersed', exploring the creative process, technical aspects of immersive audio, and the importance of community and collaboration in music production. He shares insights on funding, marketing strategies, and the role of social media in promoting his work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family life with artistic pursuits and the significance of believing in oneself as an artist.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Innovative immersive audio
Early surround experiments
Community-driven collaboration
Canadian arts funding
Value of physical media
Social media promotion
Impact of recognition
Balancing family support
Belief in the work
Engineer and artist

Links and Show Notes:
Justin's Site
Links to all streaming Platforms
Band Camp
Immersive Audio Album
Justin on WCA #451

Matt's Rant: Forming Your Own Bubble
Credits:
Guest: Justin Gray
Host/Engineer/Producer: Matt Boudreau
WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell
The Voice: Chuck Smith